A Case of Chemical Injury by Phenol Causing Central Nervous System Damage

Abstract

 Phenol is classified as an aromatic compound. Although it is weakly acidic, it is strongly corrosive and causes protein denaturation on contact. Due to percutaneous absorption, widespread exposure may also cause ventricular tachycardia and central nervous system damage.
 Our patient was a man in his 20s. He was sent to our hospital by ambulance after being exposed to phenol at work when a phenol container broke. Cognitive disturbances arose shortly after the injury. He was sedated, intubated, and admitted to the intensive care unit, as he showed symptoms of central nervous system damage even though he was cleansed immediately upon arriving at the hospital. Phenol is absorbed rapidly into the body, and poisoning symptoms have been reported even when only a small area is affected. Hence, appropriate initial treatment is essential. Chemical injury caused by phenol should be immediately followed by rinsing with running water. Wiping with polyethylene glycol or ethanol (often substituted with rubbing ethanol) is also effective. Furthermore, it has been reported that 15 minutes of rinsing with running water significantly reduces phenol absorption.